The Baltimore Orioles host the Atlanta Braves in an interleague weekend series beginning Friday, July 24, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, looking to make up ground in the Wild Card race and evaluate their roster ahead of the trade deadline, according to team reports.
Rotation Adjustments and Pitching Matchups for the Series Opener
According to team announcements, the Orioles have reshuffled their rotation to grant Kyle Bradish extra rest following his contract extension, leaving a vacancy for the Friday night opener. Cade Povich is a candidate for a call-up from Triple-A Norfolk after previously tossing six shutout innings against Atlanta in a 4-2 Baltimore victory. Alternatively, according to club data, the Orioles could recall Trey Gibson or deploy Albert Suárez as an opener in a bullpen game. Right-hander Grant Holmes takes the mound for Atlanta, carrying a 3.70 ERA and 78 strikeouts over the season alongside a sharp 1.89 ERA across his last four starts.
Did you know? Last season, the Orioles swept the Braves in Atlanta while launching six home runs across the three-game series.
Trevor Rogers Leads the Charge in Saturday’s Matchup
Left-hander Trevor Rogers starts for Baltimore on Saturday, facing Braves right-hander Bryce Elder. According to season statistics, Rogers holds a 4.28 ERA and 77 strikeouts, but has pitched to a 1.69 ERA across eight starts since June while holding opponents to a .206 batting average. Rogers stated in a recent broadcast interview that extension talks have not yet begun with the front office, though he expressed a strong desire to remain in Baltimore as a pending free agent. Elder opposes him after enduring a difficult stretch in which his ERA climbed to 7.65 over his last eight outings, allowing 12 home runs during that span, according to league records.
Brandon Young and Reynaldo López Close Out the Weekend
Sunday afternoon’s finale features right-hander Brandon Young for Baltimore against Braves right-hander Reynaldo López. According to team reports, the Orioles boast a 13-3 record in games started by Young, who holds a 3.25 ERA and 74 strikeouts this season. Young lowered his Camden Yards ERA to 3.08 this year after struggling at home last season. López, a 2024 All-Star returning to a full-time rotation role, carries a 4.84 ERA over his last five starts while historically limiting Baltimore to a 2.08 ERA across five prior appearances at the ballpark, according to historical data.
Injury Woes Impact Both Lineups
Both rosters enter the series dealing with significant injuries, according to club injury reports. The Orioles play without Blaze Alexander (broken hand), Adley Rutschman (left wrist inflammation), and Samuel Basallo (right shoulder inflammation), while backup catchers Sam Huff and Chadwick Tromp seek their first hits since returning to the active roster. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s offense dipped from 5.3 runs per game in the first two months of the season to 4.6 runs during June and July, a downturn coinciding with a hamstring injury to superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., who has been sidelined since June 10 but is currently completing a rehab assignment in Triple-A.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Orioles vs. Braves series start?
Game 1 begins on Friday, July 24, at 7:05 PM ET at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, according to the official schedule.
Where can I watch the games?
All three games of the series will be broadcast on MASN and MASN+, according to team media notes.
Who are the projected starting pitchers for Saturday?
Left-hander Trevor Rogers is scheduled to start for Baltimore against Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder, according to probable pitcher announcements.
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